COLUMN: Home additions – The News

The cost to build an addition can vary widely depending on what you are looking for. It is best to let your contractor know your budget from the start, so they can help you evaluate different options. There are always ways to save money if you are flexible and plan ahead.

Building permit & zoning restrictions

Before starting, you should check with the local planning department to determine zoning restrictions in your area. For example, there are minimum distances that must be maintained from your property boundaries. The required clearance will typically vary along the front, rear, and sides of your lot. There may be other restrictions that come into play, such as how much of your lot can be covered by impervious material (i.e. concrete or structures) as this can affect the amount of surface water runoff. You will need to submit a building drawing and plot plan when applying for a building permit. When planning your schedule, dont forget to account for the time required to prepare the application and approval to be granted. Be aware that a building inspector will be required to do site visits at various stages of construction to ensure work is being completed to code.

Design drawings

Because a home addition is such a large investment, I always recommend clients have an architect or structural engineer prepare a design drawing before starting. An experienced professional will be able to visualize the best way to tie in a new addition to the existing home. For example, they will look at building proportions and consider how the new roofline will connect to the existing home.

They can also provide guidance on the proper placement of windows or doors and even look at landscaping features such as decks or walkways. An architect or designer can offer interior layout options to best suit your familys needs and ensure new and old spaces join seamlessly. Depending on the size of an addition, options to heat the new space will need to be considered. It is a good idea to discuss this with your contractor before starting. Having a plumber and electrician involved in the planning stage can also prove invaluable and help the homeowner identify savings that may not be possible later in the process.

Building up or building out

Typically, most home additions are ground-level expansions built-outwards to increase primary living space. Smaller, bump-out style additions are the most economical option as they are small enough to eliminate the need for a new foundation. Bump-outs are a great option if you looking for an eat-in kitchen nook or even a dream walk-in closet in the master bedroom. Accessibility accommodations are being more common as seniors choose to age in place. Using an addition to add a bedroom and/or bathroom to the main floor can allow for ground-level living and potentially free-up space for a second floor apartment conversion to supplement income.

Another way to increase the square-footage of your home is to build-up. If you have a small lot or want to take advantage of a spectacular view, this may be a good option. When adding a second story addition, you need to consider your existing home may not be liveable during the demolition and structural reinforcement stage. There will also be other factors that arent a concern when building-out, such as the space required to add a new stairwell. You may also need to alter existing heating systems if a second floor addition will affect your flue or chimney.

Next week, well continue to discuss topics to consider when looking at adding an addition to your home.

Remember to look for my column in The News every Tuesday. I will be addressing a wide-range of home-related construction and maintenance topics. I welcome readers to submit questions by sending me an email at macgibcontracting@hotmail.com or call me at 902-695-5919.

Gib Thompson is a Red Seal Carpenter and owner of MacGibbons Contracting Ltd. In Stellarton, Nova Scotia.

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COLUMN: Home additions - The News